Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that Russia made a “conscious choice” by launching a major attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure on Christmas Day.
Ukraine’s air force reported detecting 184 missiles and drones, many of which were either intercepted or missed their targets. While the strikes caused casualties, no specific figures were provided.
Moscow confirmed the attack, asserting that its objectives had been successfully achieved. The strikes resulted in power outages across Ukraine, including in the capital, Kyiv, where some residents sought shelter in metro stations.
Russia’s defense ministry confirmed its forces had carried out a “massive strike” on key energy facilities, claiming that all targets had been hit.
This marked the 13th significant attack on Ukraine’s energy sector in 2024, according to the country’s largest private energy company, DTEK. In September, President Zelensky reported that Russian bombings had destroyed 80% of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
In response to the Christmas Day attacks, Zelensky denounced the timing as a “conscious choice” and called the actions “inhumane.” He assured that efforts were underway to restore power as quickly as possible.
“Russian evil will not break Ukraine and will not distort Christmas”, he added.
This is the second time Ukraine has celebrated Christmas Day on 25 December. It traditionally followed the Julian calendar, like Russia, where Christmas falls on 7 January.
In the north-eastern city of Kharkiv – Ukraine’s second largest – the attack left half a million people without water, electricity or heating in bitterly cold temperatures, the regional governor said.
Ukrainians across the country woke up to the sound of air raid alarms, and were told to shelter as the attacks unfolded in the morning.
Kyiv residents sheltered in metro stations, with one local telling Reuters news agency that she felt angry and frightened.
“Of course, I want to be at home and celebrate, but we had to shelter because it’s scary to stay at home,” Sofiia Lytvynenko said.
Kyiv resident Oleksandra expressed that, despite the attack, “Christmas is not cancelled.” She told Reuters that she planned to enjoy traditional Ukrainian food and drinks with family and friends once it is safe to leave the shelter.
Ukraine’s state-owned power company, Ukrenergo, warned that power cuts could persist until at least the end of the day. The company has implemented usage restrictions as it works to restore service.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha referred to the strikes as “Christmas terror.” He also noted that a Russian missile had passed through Moldovan and Romanian airspace, emphasizing that Russia poses a threat beyond Ukraine.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu condemned the strike and confirmed that a missile was detected in the country’s airspace, while Romania stated that it did not detect any missile in its airspace.
In other developments, four people were killed and five others injured by Ukrainian shelling in Russia’s Kursk region, according to the region’s acting governor.